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sinew - What does it mean?

Definition of 'sinew'

English

Alternative forms

* (l)

Noun

(en-noun)
  • (anatomy) A cord or tendon of the body.
  • (obsolete) A nerve.
  • (figuratively) Muscle; nerve; nervous energy; vigor; vigorous strength; muscular power.
  • A string or chord, as of a musical instrument.
  • (figuratively) That which gives strength or in which strength consists; a supporting member or factor; mainstay; source of strength (often plural).
  • * Shakespeare
  • The portion and sinew of her fortune, her marriage dowry.
  • * Sir Walter Raleigh
  • The bodies of men, munition, and money, may justly be called the sinews of war.

    Derived terms

    * sinewy

    Verb

    (en-verb)
  • To knit together, or make strong with, or as if with, sinews.
  • (Shakespeare)
  • * Goldsmith
  • Wretches, now stuck up for long tortures might, if properly treated, serve to sinew the state in time of danger.

    Anagrams

    * * * *

    Similar to 'sinew'

    snow, smew, snew, seamew